Brinjal
Brinjal belongs to the family of Solanaceae, also commonly known as nightshades, and are cousins of potatoes, tomatoes and bell peppers. They hang from vines and some varieties actually look egg shaped - which is why the name "Eggplants".
The skin is glossy and usually deep purple in color, while the flesh is creamish and spongy in texture. A much wider range of shapes, sizes and colors is grown in Asia. Colours vary from white, yellow to green as well as reddish-purple, dark purple, black etc. There is also a variety which is green brinjals with white striping.
While the different varieties vary slightly in taste and texture, it usually has a mild bitter taste. To reduce the bitterness (if required- it is actually not required most of the times), slice the brinjal, sprinkle salt evenly over it and mix well. Rinse well after 10 minutes and use as required.
How to select
There are various varieties, colours and sizes (from the size of a tomato to the size of a bottle gourd) to choose from. Whichever variety you choose, ensure that the vegetable is firm to handle, free from blemishes, cuts or any tiny holes. The stem should be bright green in colour.
Culinary Uses
2. It is used commonly in a pureed form to make
dips,
spread ,
chutneys etc. In order to roast brinjals, smear the brinjal with some oil and then place on open fire and roast. When the skin starts to peel off and the flesh feels soft and juicy, it is well roasted. Cool and peel off the outer skin. Blend in a mixer or pulp using your hands to get smooth brinjal pulp. This pulp can be combined with curds and a basic tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves to make
brinjal raitha. Alternatively, combine with red chillies and urad dal make spicy chutneys.
3. Brinjal pulp is also used to make the delicious and well known Punjabi delicacy "Baingan ka bharta" which is brinjal pulp cooked with garlic, onions, tomatoes, lemon juice and spices. It is served with hot tandoori rotis.
4. Deep fried brinjals can be
pickled and used as an accompaniment with rice.
5. Brinjal pulp is blended with tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic and lemon juice to make a famous Middle eastern dip called
Baba Ghanoush. Serve this dip with crackers, bread sticks etc. This dip can also be used as a spread for sandwiches, as a topping on canapés etc.
7. In the famous French steed recipe
Raatouille ( Also
see ), brinjals plays an important role. It is cooked along with garlic, tomatoes and herbs ans is an aromatic accompaniment in French menus.
8. Brinjals are cut into halves and baked till semi cooked. The inner flesh is removed and mixed with herbs and cheese and stuffed in the scooped brinjals. This is then topped with cheese and gratinated till the cheese melts. This Italian dish is called
Melanzane alla parmigiana ( Also
see ).
9. Brinjals are cubed and used commonly in Southern parts of India as a vegetable to be used in
sambhar,
Kootu (dal based gravies),
Avial etc.
10. In Maharashtra, Brinjals are stir fried and cooked with rice to make spicy
bhaat. Baby brinjals are slit into four keeping the stem intact and stuffed with a spicy coconut, sesame and peanut stuffing. This is called
Masale chi Vaangi.
11. Slice large brinjals thinly, dip in a spiced gram flour batter and deep fry to make fritters or
pakodas. Sprinkle chaat masala on top and serve with tomato sauce etc.
Health Benefits of brinjal:
The eggplants are a
very rich source of fibre and
low soluble carbohydrates. Thus they are highly beneficial for regulation of blood sugar levels and also to control the absorption of glucose. This makes them the best option for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. It also helps stabilize the level of blood pressure. All this in turn lowers the risk of heart diseases. The body is also kept well hydrated thanks to the potassium content present in this vegetable. This ensures that there is no retention of fluids which prevents coronary heart diseases.
Eggplant contains Phytonutrients which keep the cell membranes protected from any kind of damage and facilitates the message transfer from one part to another, thus
preserving the memory function.We all require iron for proper functioning in our day to day life. However, too much of iron in the body is not a good sign. The content of nasunin that is present in eggplant helps
remove excess iron from the body. This brings down the risk of getting heart attacks as it damages the existence of the free radicals in one’s system.
Eggplant is considered to be
high in water content yet low in calorie count. This feature makes it very ideal as a healthy diet for people who want to reduce weight. The spongy texture of the vegetable is what facilitates these characteristics, hence one must consume in its natural form as much as possible.
The digestive system is kept healthy and safe because of the good content of fibre in brinjals. This prevents constipation as well. The risk of colon cancer is also eliminated.
Helps keeping diabetes in control: The eggplants are a very rich source of fibre and low soluble carbohydrates. Thus they are highly beneficial for regulation of blood sugar levels and also to control the absorption of glucose. This makes them the best option for people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Helpful to the heart: The cholesterol levels are brought down to a great extent by the eggplant. It also helps stabilize the level of blood pressure. All this in turn lowers the risk of heart diseases. The body is also kept well hydrated thanks to the potassium content present in this vegetable. This ensures that there is no retention of fluids which prevents coronary heart diseases.
Helpful to the brain: Eggplant contains Phytonutrients which keep the cell membranes protected from any kind of damage and facilitates the message transfer from one part to another, thus preserving the memory function.
Helps create iron in the human body: We all require iron for proper functioning in our day to day life. However, too much of iron in the body is not a good sign. The content of nasunin that is present in eggplant helps remove excess iron from the body. This brings down the risk of getting heart attacks as it damages the existence of the free radicals in one’s system.
Facilitates weight loss: Eggplant is considered to be high in water content yet low in calorie count. This feature makes it very ideal as a healthy diet for people who want to reduce weight. The spongy texture of the vegetable is what facilitates these characteristics, hence one must consume in its natural form as much as possible.
Helps in digestion: The digestive system is kept healthy and safe because of the good content of fibre in brinjals. This prevents constipation as well. The risk of colon cancer is also eliminated.
Keeps chronic diseases at bay:Eggplant reduces the chance of cardio vascular diseases and strokes.
Helps quit smoking: Eggplant has small amount of nicotine which helps those who want to gradually quit smoking.
Anti bacterial properties: The eggplant has good amounts of vitamin C which make it an effective anti-viral and anti- bacterial source.
Flawless skin: Eggplants are very rich in minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber. This helps keep the system clean from within which reflects in the form of a flawless skin outside.
Glowing skin: Eggplants have a good amount of water content. This helps in keeping your body and skin well hydrated. The minerals and vitamins also help give a clear and smooth tone.
Soft and supple skin: The water content found in eggplants help keep your skin soft and supple.
Anti-aging: The skin of eggplants have a lot of anthocyanins. These antioxidants act as anti-ageing agents.
Prevents skin cancer: A particular antioxidant found in eggplant helps prevent skin cancer.
Strong hair: The water content of eggplants nourish your hair roots from within. This in turn helps keep your hair stronger.
Hydrated scalp: Eggplants come with a good amount of minerals and vitamins which give nourishment to your scalp and keep it healthy. Hence it keeps scalp-related problems at bay.
Hair growth: Eggplants come with enzymes which help stimulate the follicles of your hair. This generates good hair growth and makes your hair healthier.
Hair texture: People with rough and dry hair should eat more eggplants. It helps give a healthy shine to your hair while improving its overall texture.
Read More at Wikipedia.
Recipes Using Brinjal see Here and Here.
